[06/10/09 - 09:20 AM]Mlb Network to Broadcast Reality Series the Pen Following Philadelphia Phillies BullpenThe six-episode series will premiere Sunday, June 14 at 8:00/7:00c.

[via press release from MLB Network]

MLB Network to broadcast reality series The Pen following Philadelphia Phillies bullpen

Original series from MLB Productions covers players from Spring Training to All-Star Game

Secaucus, N.J., � MLB Network will televise a new reality program titled The Pen, an original series produced by MLB Productions that follows members of the Philadelphia Phillies bullpen with unprecedented access to a Major League team, which will debut on Sunday, June 14 at 8:00 p.m. ET. The series, which features on-the-field and off-the-field interviews, will air for six weeks and include coverage from 2009 Spring Training to the All-Star break.

Narrated by former Phillies relief pitcher and MLB Network analyst Mitch Williams, The Pen takes a look at the players' lives following the team's 2008 World Series win and the pressures of keeping their roster spot for the 2009 team. The series features relief pitchers Brad Lidge, Ryan Madson, J.C. Romero, Scott Eyre, Clay Condrey, Chad Durbin, Gary Majewski, Jack Taschner, J.A. Happ, Chan Ho Park and bullpen coach Mick Billmeyer, and follows them to everything from fishing trips and youth baseball games to the White House for a post-World Series visit. The program also speaks with players following the sudden death of longtime Phillies broadcaster Harry Kalas on April 13.

"As a reality-based series The Pen is the ultimate look into the lives of these players, both on and off the field," said Tony Petitti, President and CEO of MLB Network. "So much of what we know about relief pitchers is based on statistics and saves, and a series like The Pen gives a level of familiarity to each player."

The program, a co-production between MLB Network and MLB Productions, marks the first program ever produced using a camera and microphones installed in a Major League bullpen to film in-game and practice footage. Two other cameras were installed in Citizens Bank Park � one behind home plate and one at low first base � and were controlled by MLB Network's headquarters in Secaucus, New Jersey. Producer Danny Field suited up as a catcher with a camera attached to his mask to capture footage during Spring Training in Clearwater, Florida.

"The Pen is a first for MLB Productions, as we have never had such continued open access to one team's players during Spring Training and the regular season," said David Gavant, Executive in charge of Production and Vice President, MLB Productions. "Our goal was to shed light on the pressure-filled lives these players live on the field and how they unwind off the field."

The Pen was produced by MLB Productions. Gary Waksman is the Lead Producer, Danny Field is the Associate Producer, and David Check is the Executive Producer. The Pen is the third series produced by MLB Network and MLB Productions, following Prime 9 and Baseball Seasons.

MLB Network's broadcast schedule for The Pen appears below. Prior to each new episode, the previous week's episode will air in its entirety.

THE PEN BROADCAST SCHEDULE (all times Eastern):

June 14 - 8:00 p.m. Debut, Episode One

June 21 - 9:00 p.m. Episode Two

June 28 - 8:30 p.m. Episode Three

July 12 - 8:30 p.m. Episode Four

July 19 - 8:30 p.m. Episode Five

July 26 - 8:30 p.m. Finale, Episode Six

MLB Network launched on January 1, 2009 as the largest debut in cable television history and is currently available in approximately 52 million cable and satellite homes. With live games, original programming, highlights, classic games, and coverage of baseball events, MLB Network is the ultimate television destination for baseball fans. For more information, go to mlbnetwork.com.

This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.